RICHMOND, Ky. – An email to students from Eastern Kentucky University interim president Dr. David McFaddin on behalf of the school’s Fall Contingency Planning Task Force outlines preparations for the fall 2020 semester amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

The preparations require changes that affect courses, dining, athletics, housing, campus recreation, and more to help create a “healthy and supportive environment for everyone in the campus community,” according to the email. 

One major guideline being implemented is requiring students to wear masks to attend class.

“Students who are unwilling to wear face masks/coverings for reasons not related to health will not be permitted to attend face-to-face classes,” said Fall Contingency Planning Task Force co-chairs Elizabeth Ballou, executive director of enrollment management, and Dr. Sara Zeigler, dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. “Any student who objects to wearing a mask must contact their adviser to make alternative arrangements that do not put others at risk. Please know that failure to follow the requirements outlined below will be considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and students will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.”

Students are not required to wear a mask/face covering when alone in an enclosed space, such as when alone in a residence hall room, vehicle, or in a remote setting, or if a mask/face covering will create a serious safety or health hazard. 

Students will be expected to provide evidence of the need for an exemption from the requirement. Exceptions for wearing a mask/face covering must be approved by the EKU Center for Student Accessibility as a documented accommodation in the event of a health hazard, or by EKU Public Safety in the event of a safety hazard.

It is recommended students wear a face covering if he or she could potentially be within six feet of other individuals, including while walking outside on campus. 

All residential students will be provided a washable face mask/covering at check-in.​

Students will be expected to take their temperature and conduct a health self-assessment each day before coming to campus.

EKU is following the most current CDC guidelines, in conjunction with Gov. Andy Beshear’s recommendations, and the direction of the Madison County Health Department to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, according to the email. Classrooms and other spaces will have occupancy limits, meaning seating arrangements may look different as well. Another guideline being implemented by the contingency plan is the requirement that students practice physical distancing on campus – staying at least six feet​ from other people – and the displaying signs directing the pedestrian flow and rooms’ maximum occupancy to assist in facilitating physical distancing.

“This fall semester will be different from any we have ever experienced, with opportunities to learn from each other and take care of each other,” according to the email. “The EKU family is up to the challenge and we are eager to welcome you back. Together, we can create a healthy and welcoming learning environment.”

Students are also being asked to carry their EKU student IDs; due to campus visitor restrictions, some buildings will require an EKU ID to enter.

We reached out to the Universities of Louisville and Kentucky to find out if they are also requiring masks this fall.

John Karman, Executive Director of Communications for UofL said, "Our face mask policy is still in draft form so I cannot say definitively at this time whether masks will be required or strongly recommended. Our top priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff so there will be an expectation of mask-wearing in public places."

Jay Blanton, Chief Communications Officer for UK said, "We are requiring masks in most settings and contexts. However, we are still working through the compliance and enforcement aspects of this measure."